Steenson kicks nine penalties in Exeter win, Saints stay top

In what turned into a battle between the two fly-halves, Steenson sent six kicks between the posts in the first half, with Charlie Hodgson converting two in reply.

Steenson's kicking was sublime throughout - ending the match with a 100 per cent record - while Hodgson missed just one as he added two more penalties to his tally after the interval.

Maro Itoje added a late consolation try for Saracens - overwhelmed by Exeter's forwards - but last season's Premiership runners-up have now fallen to back-to-back defeats against their title rivals, having lost at home to Northampton Saints last time out.

The result sees third-placed Exeter extend their advantage over Saracens to seven points, but Saints remain top following a barnstorming 43-14 win at beleaguered London Welsh on Sunday.

Welsh have lost all nine of their fixtures in this season's Premiership and Saints asserted their dominance with seven tries to their hosts' two.

Saints made a blistering start, with Calum Clark forcing his way over five minutes in, before Stephen Myler converted his own try after going over in the corner.

Myler was again on target after Samu Manoa touched down before the break, with further tries from Jamie Elliott and Ben Foden early in the second period helping push the defending champions into a 33-0 lead.

Welsh did manage to register scores through Taione Vea and Nic Reynolds, but they came either side of another two tries for the visitors courtesy of James Wilson and Ben Nutley.

Saints' win saw them depose Bath following a two-day stay at the top.

​Sam Burgess made his rugby union debut in their 25-6 bonus-point win over Harlequins on Friday, but failed to mark his first appearance with a try.

Burgess, whose last match was South Sydney Rabbitohs' NRL Grand Final victory in October, has only recently returned to training after sustaining a fractured cheekbone in that game.

Bath now sit two points adrift of leaders Saints, while Exeter are a further point back.

Elsewhere on Sunday, Gloucester registered their first win in four with a 21-9 victory at London Irish, while Sale Sharks were 18-13 winners at Newcastle Falcons.

Saturday's remaining fixture saw Owen Williams score a penalty in the closing minutes to edge an 18-16 win for Leicester Tigers against Wasps.